How hazard perception scoring works
For each hazard there is a possible score of zero to five that is available. With a total of 15 hazards to find that makes a total possible score of 75 being available on the hazard test.
The quicker you respond in the period of time in which the hazard is present, the more points you get. So, if you respond within the first possible window for scoring, you get a score of 5, the second window gives 4, the third window 3, the fourth window 2 and the fifth window 1. Outside of that window and you neither score nor lose marks (in other words it will score zero if you click the mouse outside of the scoring window that is programmed into the computer playing the clip for that particular hazard).
The computer will take your first response, so if you decide to click a few times during the time the hazard is on screen then your first (higher) score is recorded. Since you can only get awarded points by clicking with the mouse within one of the five allocated windows, then this means if you do nothing at all during the clip then no mouse clicks are registered and therefore you will score no points at all.
There is a short gap between the clips. Be sure to only click when you think there is a hazard and don't get trigger happy with the mouse: if you click a lot of times then you are may be awarded a score of zero; this is alerted to you via a warning message if it happens.
One tip that has been suggested is to click a few times on occasions when you think you have spotted a hazard but are not sure if you are too early. That's because whether something is a potential hazard or a developing hazard is to some extent subjective and therefore you don't want to be so keen and eager that you click before something has become a developing hazard and therefore risk scoring no points for that clip.
Related Articles...
Understanding illuminated signals on motorways
The location of the signs and signals that you see on motorway itself tells you some information: who it applies to.
Signs at the edge of the road will apply to all drivers, whilst those that...
Hazard Perception
There has been a significant increase in the focus of hazard perception and hazard awareness in the last few years since the introduction by the DSA of a separate hazard perception element to the...
Your steering system
When it comes to driving the car, it is safe to say that the steering wheel is clearly an essential part! If you can't steer your vehicle, then you clearly cannot drive it.
There are two...
Tips on joining a motorway
Joining and leaving the motorway are generally considered the more tricky elements of the journey. When it comes to leaving the motorway, it is all about selecting the right exit and moving over to...
What to expect at a hazard perception test
The test has fourteen different clips, as outlined in the article entitled 'how to pass the hazard perception test'.
Each of those clips starts counting down from ten to zero, in order to...
DSA Driving Theory Test
Do not view the DSA Driving Theory Test as something of an inconvenience. Instead view it as a way to develop useful knowledge that could save your life or that of someone else. If that seems like...
The Driving Standards Agency
The Driving Standards Agency has a website at www.dsa.gov.uk.
They are an executive agency within the Department for Transport in the UK.
They deliver tests for theory and practical...
Mock Driving Theory
On our Mock Driving Theory page you can practice no fewer than fifteen different mock tests.
Each of them...
How to get your provisional driving license
In order to take the theory test, and ultimately the practical driving test, you will need to have a valid provisional driving license. Indeed you need the provisional license in order to be able...
Before Learning to Drive
The minimum age at which you are allowed to learn to drive a car on public roads is 17. As you probably know, you are not allowed to drive legally on your own until you pass your test. This means...
Back to home page of driving theory test questions